NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION.

Acknowledgement of the Impact of Residential Schools and Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

Today, we come together to honor the memory of the children who never returned home and to pay tribute to the resilient Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. We recognize that this day serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic and painful history of residential schools, a history whose impacts continue to reverberate through generations.

Public commemoration of this history is not only a solemn duty but a crucial step in the journey towards reconciliation. It is through acknowledgment and understanding that we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter future built on mutual respect and understanding.

In this spirit, we humbly acknowledge that we gather on ancestral lands, on Treaty One Territory, the heartland of the Métis people. We also recognize that the waters we rely upon flow from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. As we stand on these lands and partake of these waters, we commit ourselves to the path of truth and reconciliation, recognizing the importance of partnership, dialogue, and empathy in the ongoing journey towards healing and unity.

May our collective efforts lead to a future where the painful legacy of residential schools is replaced by a shared commitment to justice, understanding, and a harmonious coexistence among all peoples.

Resources

Residential School Educational and Initiative based Resources:
Education Resources - NCTR

Search by School - NCTR

Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf (exactdn.com)

Home - The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (downiewenjack.ca)

Truth and Reconciliation Resources - Project Learning Tree Canada (pltcanada.org)

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirited Resources:
Final Report | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)

Aftercare services | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)

Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

National Support line: 1-844-413-6649An independent, national, toll-free support call line is available to provide support for anyone who requires assistance. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional Resources:
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Legacy of Hope Foundation – Indigenous-led charitable organization

Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land

Indigenous Languages Decade (2022-2032) | UNESCO

Winnipeg Chambers Road map to Truth and Reconciliation: This renewed Roadmap is a testament to our collective commitment to reconciliation. It has been meticulously crafted to empower the business community with an extensive list of resources designed to support your journey towards reconciliation.

Explore the roadmap's comprehensive collection of resources and join us in fostering positive change.
Download the roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/d23kmTz

Events in Your community

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Tours, workshops, talks | WAG Qaumajuq | 11:00-5:00pm | Sept 30 | Free admission
Orange Shirt Day at the Manitoba Museum| 12:00-6:00pm | Sept 30-Oct 2 | Free admission

September 25 to 29: Free lunch and learn sessions.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering free, virtual lunch and learn sessions leading up to the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

The daily, 50-minute sessions will feature a variety of speakers and give Canadians the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation.

Topics include:

September 25: Indigenous peoples and the history of residential schools
September 26: Unconscious bias and debunking stereotypes
September 27: Intergenerational impacts and ongoing systemic discrimination
September 28: Indigenous peoples’ rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
September 29: Taking action toward reconciliation

To learn more and sign up for these sessions, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/truth-and-reconciliation-week-2023-public-lunch-and-learns-tickets-704876573807?aff=oddtdtcreator

September 25 to 30: Every Child Matters Ride
Waywayseecappo First Nation, Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation are hosting an Every Child Matters Ride leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Everyone is invited to join the ride. Horses, walkers, runners, and wagons are welcome. The legs of the ride are as follows:

September 25: Waywayseecappo First Nation to Birtle Residential School. 10:00 am Breakfast. Ceremony and blessing the ride begins at 11:00 am.
September 26: Birtle Residential School to Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. 12:00 pm feed the children. The ride begins at 1:00 pm.
September 27: Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation to Elkhorn Residential School. 12:00 pm feed the children. The ride begins at 1:00 pm.
September 28: Elkhorn Residential School to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. 12:00 pm feed the children. The ride begins at 1:00 pm.
September 29: Sioux Valley Dakota Nation to Grand Valley Park. 12:00 pm feed the children. The ride begins at 1:00 pm.
September 30: Grand Valley Park to Brandon Residential School.

For more information or to view the event poster, visit: https://scoinc.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Every-Child-Matters-Ride-Waywayseecappo-Birdtail-Sioux-Canuwapka-Sioux-Valley-2.jpg

September 26 to October 1: Brandon Truth and Reconciliation Week
The Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, is holding various events for the week of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on their grounds.

September 26: Sunrise ceremony, flag raising, tipi teaching and raising, and sacred fire teaching with Tim Bone
September 27: The Land as a Teacher with Aaron McKay
September 28: The Orange Shirt Story story time and conversation with residential school Survivors; Two Eyed Seeing, drone, tech, and traditional wisdom with Adam Subject and Darby Essie
September 29: Traditional foods and medicine with Eugene Ross
September 30: Teaching on Orange Shirt Day and What is Truth and Reconciliation, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation introduction and Survivors’ stories, Orange Shirt Day Walk followed by food and refreshments, Healing by the River event
October 1: Kairos blanket exercise, and closing ceremony, including speeches and a feast

To learn more about these activities, see the event poster: https://scoinc.mb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BrandonNTREvents.jpg

September 29
Community Gathering: Hollow Water First Nation
Hollow Water is hosting a community gathering and BBQ on the school grounds on September 29th to mark the National Day. Starts at 11 am at Wanipigow School.
Community Gathering: Bloodvein First Nation
Bloodvein First Nation is hosting a community gathering on September 29th to mark the National Day. Starts at 10 am at Miskooseepi School.

September 30
Reconciliation Run: Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation
The 2023 Reconciliation Run will take place on September 30.
The run, which is 21.1 kilometers in length, will start at 8 am at the ruins of the original former Birtle Residential School, and conclude on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
Once all participants have made it back to Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, community members, volunteers, and participants are invited to a community gathering/feast.
For more information, visit: reconciliationrun.ca/in-personreconciliationrun

National Truth and Reconciliation Pow Wow
The Sagkeeng Health Centre is holding a pow wow from 12 to 7 pm on September 30 at the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation pow wow arbor to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Youth will lead the grand entry with residential school Survivors.
There will be a community feast at 4 pm. Orange shirts will be available.
All dancers will receive an honourarium and drums are asked to register.

For more information, contact Cheryl Bird or Donna Sais at 204-367-9990.

Swan Lake First Nation Truth and Reconciliation Mini Pow Wow
Swan Lake First Nation is holding a mini Truth and Reconciliation pow wow on Saturday, September 30. This event is open to the public and all visitors are welcome.

For more information, contact Angie Walker at 204-526-4218 or Caitlin Kennedy at 204-526-4243.

One Dance – One Feast – Many Nations
Healing Dance of Reconciliation: September 30 at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada, Long Plain First Nation
The National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada is hosting its annual Orange Shirt Day Event on September 30, 2023: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Join the honour walk starting at 9:30 am from Portage la Prairie’s city hall at 97 Saskatchewan Avenue.
Walk with a group to the Residential School Museum at the Long Plain First Nation urban reserve at 5000 Crescent Road West, Keeshkeemaqauh near Portage La Prairie.
From 10:30 am to 4:40 pm, the museum will host its program and provide food and entertainment.
This event is free for all to attend.

Wa-Say Healing Centre 3rd Annual Orange Shirt Day Survivors’ Walk and Pow Wow: Winnipeg
The largest gathering in Manitoba to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gets underway on September 30th at 11:00 am.
Participants are asked to meet at the Oodena Celebration Circle at the Forks. The walk will then make its way through downtown Winnipeg to the Canada Life Centre for the Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow.
For more information, visit: wa-say.com/event/orange-shirt-day-2023/

Day of Reflection Sacred Fire and Gathering
The Anish Corporation, Manito Ahbee Festival, and the 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada are holding a sacred fire, ceremonies, singing and more St. John’s Park (1201 Main Street) in Winnipeg from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on September 30.
The is event is open to the public and all are welcome. Bring your own chairs. Drums and tipis welcome.
White Horse Ranch will be on site with the Sunka Wakan – sacred horses.

UNIVERSITY EVENTS:
Monday September 25, 2023 (U of W)

Every Child Matters flag raising | 10:00-11:00am | Wesley Hall
Panel Discussion: Critical Reflections on Residential School Histories | 12:30-1:30pm | Eckhardt Gramatté Hall
NCTR Indigenous Peoples and the History of Residential Schools | 12:30-1:30pm | Virtual | Register here.
Orange Shirt Pin Beading with the Indigenous Students' Association | 6:00-8:00pm | 3M56 | All are welcome.

Tuesday September 26, 2023(U of W)

NCTR Unconscious Bias and Debunking Stereotypes | 12:30-1:30pm | Virtual | Register here.

Wednesday September 27, 2023(U of W)

Feast hosted by ASSC | 12:30pm | Aboriginal Student Services Centre Lounge | All are welcome.
NCTR Intergenerational Impacts and Ongoing Systemic Discrimination | 12:30-1:30pm | Virtual | Register here.

Thursday September 28, 2023(U of W)

NCTR Indigenous Peoples' Rights and UNDRIP | 12:30-1:30pm | Virtual | Register here.

Friday September 29, 2023 (U of W)
Wear your orange shirt.

Office of Indigenous Engagement table UW | 10:00-3:00pm | Wesley Hall
NCTR Taking Action Towards Reconciliation | 12:30-1:30pm | Virtual | Register here

WE HAVE MOVED

ICC has officially settled into our new space at 210-428 Portage Avenue!

We would like to thank The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and CentrePort Canada for their contributions. Their support helped us move to our new space as we continue to grow. We continue to be thankful to work alongside such generous partners.

www.indigenouschambermb.ca/our-location.html

LOCATION

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

We acknowledge we are gathered on Treaty 1 Territory and that Manitoba is located on the Treaty Territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations.

We acknowledge Manitoba is located on the Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We acknowledge northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.

We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.